A sweetcorn trader operating from Cannon Mills in Great Horton has been ordered not to serve customers who declare a food allergy until staff can demonstrate proper understanding of allergen safety.
Bradford Council inspectors visited Sweetcorn on May 24 and identified a number of hygiene and food safety failings.
The most serious concern related to allergen management.
Inspectors said the food handler was unaware of the controls needed to prevent cross-contamination involving allergen-containing foods.
The report said: “At the time of the visit, the food handler was unaware of allergen management and control measures to prevent cross contamination.”
It added: “For this reason, until training and competence and understanding in food safety procedures regarding allergen containing foods is achieved, you must not serve consumers who declare a food allergy.”
The trader was advised to complete free allergy training available through the Food Standards Agency.
Cardboard Used Inside Food Steamer
Inspectors also found cardboard being used to line a food steamer.
The council said the material could not be adequately cleaned and created a contamination risk.
Bare wood inside the food cart also needed to be sealed to create a smooth and cleanable surface.
Officers additionally recommended using a suitable cleanable floor covering around the cart while it was operating.
Handwashing Facilities Inadequate
Personal hygiene facilities were also found to be insufficient.
The trader was instructed to provide antibacterial soap, disposable hand towels and appropriate handwashing facilities for staff.
Inspectors also told the business to ensure disinfectant sanitiser was available while food was being prepared and served.
Food Stored On Floor
The trader was instructed to stop storing food directly on the floor.
Staff were also advised to wear protective clothing such as aprons while handling food.
Because the business prepares, cooks, hot-holds and serves open food, inspectors said it was legally required to have a documented food safety management system in place.
The report said the trader must identify hazards associated with its activities and introduce control measures to manage those risks.
The business was advised to use the Food Standards Agency’s Safer Food Better Business pack for caterers.
Receipts and invoices for food supplies were also required to be retained to ensure traceability.
Second Recent Hygiene Story At Cannon Mills
The findings come shortly after another food business operating from Cannon Mills was warned over a separate series of hygiene failings.
Zubis was inspected by Bradford Council and was told to make urgent improvements after officers reported repeated cross-contamination risks.
Inspectors there said cooked meat was being kept next to raw meat and poultry, while staff were seen handling cooked food after touching raw meat without washing their hands.
At a second Zubis site, a cook was also seen cutting into undercooked meat with a knife which was not sanitised afterwards, while raw meat was found stored above ready-to-eat food in fridges.
The hygiene issues identified at Sweetcorn and Zubis relate to those individual businesses and should not be taken as reflecting the standards of all vendors operating from Cannon Mills.
Cannon Mills Responds
A spokesperson for Cannon Mills said: “We have majority of really good ratings for the food stalls.”
The site has previously stressed that hygiene concerns affecting individual traders do not represent the wider group of businesses operating there.
